A College Degree Is No Longer Required For Many Top-Paying Jobs In Aviation

by Dave Weiman
Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine December 2022/January 2023 Digital Issue

Let me preface this editorial by stating that I believe in higher education, but I question when students go into debt to pay for ridiculously high college tuitions, sometimes wasting both time and money on worthless degrees where there are no jobs! Also, not everyone knows what they want to do immediately after graduating from high school and need time to explore different career options.

And what about professions that require college degrees when they are not necessary? Airline pilots used to be in that category, but due to pilot shortages, a degree is no longer required by many airlines. The airlines – and the FAA – are more interested in a pilot’s flight-time and ratings, as they should be.

That said, I am pleased that the demand for employees in most fields in aviation is strong, and that there are exciting opportunities to earn while a person learns.

Our industry’s first job is to attract people to our industry, and that’s where our state aeronautics offices are doing a great job through Aviation Career Education (ACE) camps and programs. Through ACE, young people can explore different careers, participate in internships, and receive the mentorship they need to succeed.

Matthew Armstrong of Delta Air Lines, said this about the ACE program:

“We’re proud to be part of this development opportunity. The industry exposure for the students is invaluable and our employees love being mentors to them. It also gives us a longer look at potential future employees. We have several (students) from last year that we are waiting to turn 18, so we can hire them.”

Signature Flight Support, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), American Airlines, and other employers provide similar feedback.

If you are an aviation-related business in Wisconsin and would like to get involved in the ACE program, contact Meredith Alt at the Wisconsin Bureau of Aeronautics: meredithl.alt@dot.wi.gov, 608-266-8166. In Minnesota, contact Darlene Dahlseide with the Minnesota Office of Aeronautics: darlene.dahlseide@state.mn.us, 651-366-4820. Businesses elsewhere should check with the aeronautics office in their respective states.

Aircraft Technician Apprenticeships

You will read in this issue about an “Aircraft Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship Support Program” now being administered nationwide by Academy College in the Twin Cities. The program offers a unique solution for both businesses and individuals to ensure success of the 30-month aircraft maintenance technician apprenticeship. This new turn-key program supplements an apprentice’s on the job training (OJT) with a structured approach that provides support to ensure completion and success, while eliminating the burden on businesses in administrating their own apprenticeship programs.

The goal is for the apprentice to be “test ready” at the end of the program. See article on page 55 of this issue of Midwest Flyer Magazine and visit www.academycollege.edu for additional information.

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